Taylor Woodward, Ph.D., a neuroscientist, educator, and musician, has been awarded the inaugural CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship. The fellowship is a partnership between The College on Problems of Drug Dependence and Americans for Medical Progress (AMP). The fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of science policy advocates dedicated to promoting the essential role of animal research in addressing drug use and use disorders.
Animal models remain a cornerstone of research into the neurobiological and behavioral underpinnings of substance use disorders. However, these critical tools face growing scrutiny through legislative, policy, and public pressure. There is a clear and urgent need for scientists—particularly those early in their careers—to gain direct experience in the policy landscape and become equipped to advocate effectively for the continued use of humane and ethical animal research in this space.
This fellowship will provide emerging scientists with mentorship, experience, and training at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy, ensuring the continued advancement of research that informs solutions to pressing public health challenges.
Dr. Woodward believes that “animal models are indispensable for understanding how drugs affect the nervous system, and the more we understand addiction neurobiology, the more we can provide new and better strategies to alleviate problems associated with substance use disorders.” He looks forward to partnering with policymakers to facilitate scientific research. He shares that he is “excited for the unique mentored opportunity to learn how scientists can advocate for policies regarding the ethical use of animals in addiction research as a part of the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship.”
Dr. Woodward studies how chronic opioid use alters signaling lipids, a class of molecules that regulate neurotransmission and inflammation. He is currently an Assistant Research Scientist at Indiana University-Bloomington. He has spent over a decade using preclinical animal models to uncover mechanisms of addiction and explore potential treatments for substance use disorders. Taylor earned a dual Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Psychology from IU Bloomington and has authored/co-authored 17 peer-reviewed articles in academic journals. Passionate about bridging science and society, he shares original songs about the brain through music videos online as well as locally at outreach events.
For more information about the CPDD/AMP Animal Research Policy Fellowship, visit AMP.